Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art (36)

Magnificent set of Kamisugi Sake Brewery bronze doors from the Taisho Period, C.1920. One door has gold gilt wood letters reading 'Kamisugi' the other 'Shikishima', both sake brands. Kamisugi Sake Brewery was established in C.1805. 42" wide by 67" high. Great condition. Back with some wear. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare bronze mythical turtle koro or incense burner from the early Meiji Period Ca. 1880. In the form of one of Japan's most famous legends is this mythological giant turtle known as the 'Minogame' or straw raincoat turtle due to the tail resembling a farmers straw coat. The Minogame is regarded as a very auspicious creature in Japan representing long life and good fortune. Sitting on its back is a nest of bronze waves holding a Hoju sacred gem koro or incense burner. 43cm long x 25cm wide x 25cm tall. Ask for shipping quote.

A Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain. Shachihoko are often constructed in a male and female pair at each end of the roof ridge as protector spirits of the castles against fire and disaster. 31" long x 18" tall. Meiji Period Ca. 1890. Ask for shipping quote.

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.

Rich patina Late Taisho Period C.1920 bronze garden lantern. In the Yukimi snow lantern style. Each panel has an auspicious Japanese symbol: pine, plum, bamaboo and grasses. Great condition. 25" tall by 16" diameter. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Rather art deco huge buddhist temple gable. C.1910. Cyprus wood. 4ft. tall by 2ft. wide. see pics for condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Unbelievable, rare Edo Period C.1860 large shop sign 'kanban' for liver medicine. It was believed if a little boy cried too much his liver needed some help. Fantastic thick hinoki wood carving ornamentation with layers of black lacquer. Stout legs and finely detailed buddhist clouds in bronze around the frame. Great condition. Great entrance way museum piece. H:140cm x W:90cm Ask for shipping quote from california warehouse. Piece disassembles.

Early Meiji Period c.1890 red negoro lacquered Shishi mythical lion head used in the festival dances. In pristine condition with horse hair and gold gilt eyes. Fabulous mingei folk art piece. H:18" x W:14". sk for shipping quote.

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185. In the Edo Period it was popular with Samurai and he intellectual middle classes. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautifully symmetrical granite stone buddhist stupa. Late Taisho Period Ca. 1920. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. H: 17" by W: 41/2".

Spectacular Toyokuni Tryptich c.1850 of 3 samurai guards of an imperial palanquin. Colors and facial expressions of these Kabuki actors superb. Excellent condition and framed. No urauchi. Publishers and all info. available. In our US warehouse. Ask for shipping quote.

Wabi - sabi Japanese Ryokan entrance way wood lamp from the end of the Taisho Period ca. 1930. Each side with fine shoji lattice work. H: 17"; W: 15"; depth:14". Ask for shipping quote.

Eye-catching gold gilt Meiji Period C.1900 sake shop sign. Kanji characters read `Kiwami no Kotobuki` sake or Ultimate Happiness sake. The carving is in the shape of a sake keg. Excellent condition with minor lacquer wear. Old iron clamps were added in the back. See pictures. Size is 15" tall and 13" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Rare paulownia wood Meiji Period Ca. 1890 herbal apothecary chest, 'kusuri dansu'. Each drawer is labeled with various healing herbal names. Size is smaller than normal, 23" tall x 15"wide x 9' deep. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Pair of zelkova elm temple 'Baku' bad dream devourers. 22cm long by 12cm tall and 7cm deep. Extremely well carved and very good condition. Ca. 1890 late Meiji Period. Ask for shipping quote.

Very rare 'Noshi" celebration wood carving. Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan like weddings, births etc. This carving is a jizaikagi used on a hearth pot holder with iron fittings and bamboo pole. This would hang over the irori hearth and hold the pot above the coals. 61" long by 13" wide. great condition. Shipping from CA warehouse.

Very unusual shaped zelkova (keyaki) hearth hook used to hold the pot over the hearth fire in an old minka farmhouse. Great condition. See photos. 20" high by 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.